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Parallels Desktop 13: Overview

Image 01: Example of Coherence feature enabled on Parallels Desktop

Parallels released their latest application to run Windows on Mac, Parallels Desktop 13. Following our review for Parallels Desktop 12 last year, we can expect a lot more updates this year, in view of newer hardware releases from Apple and their upcoming High Sierra OS update as well tighter integration with Microsoft Windows.

As seen on Image 01, there can be countless ways to realise a need to have a separate operating system running on a Mac. There are applications and games that worked exclusively on Windows. Parallels have seen to it that the use is as seamless as it is secure.

“This year, for the first time ever, we are bringing the two hottest features from Mac and Windows into one place via Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac,” said Jack Zubarev, Parallels president. “This new release delivers our best-ever Windows on Mac performance, plus innovative and useful new features and tools to help users get more done quickly and efficiently.”

Jack Zubarev was referring to Mac Touch Bar integration as well as People Bar from Windows 10 Insider Preview build 16232.

Image 02: Mac Touch Bar (image credit: Parallels)

As shown on Image 02, the Mac Touch Bar changes when a Windows 10 application such as Microsoft Word, is launched. Users will then have access to the various formatting options directly on the Touch Bar.

Image 03: Custom Touch Bar Icons (image credit: Parallels)

On Image 03, one can see how many other customisations can be done on the Mac Touch Bar, when Parallels Desktop is run.

Image 04: People Bar (Image credit: Parallels)

An upcoming feature for Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will be the People Bar. This will give the ability to show up to 5 contacts right on the taskbar. Parallels take this a step further, and provide the ability to pin as many contacts on the Mac dock as needed. Additionally, with Coherence activated, the People Bar will launch natively, instead of running within a Windows 10 frame.

Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac, Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition and Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition are available for subscribers and upgraders from Parallels Desktop 11 and 12 (www.parallels.com/upgradepd13), as well as new customers, online at www.parallels.com/desktop and at local retail and online stores worldwide. Free 14-day full-featured trials of Parallels Desktop are also available for download.

The recommended retail price (RRP) of Parallels Desktop 13 for Mac is US$79.99. Upgrades for existing Parallels Desktop 11 and 12 for Mac perpetual license customers are US$49.99, with an introductory offer to upgrade to a Parallels Desktop Pro Edition subscription for US$49.99 per year for life. Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition and Business Edition are each available to new customers for US$99.99 per year.

Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro Edition and Business Edition include a complimentary concurrent subscription to both Parallels Toolbox for Mac and Parallels Toolbox for Windows (www.parallels.com/toolbox), as well as Parallels Access (www.parallels.com/access).

Over time, the various new features that can be utilised on Parallels Desktop 13 will be shared.